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Boyd was inadvertently hit while trying to break up two opposing players in the third quarter of the game at McKeesport’s Weigle-Schaeffer Tiger Stadium.

“It appeared to me as if the McKeesport player who got into the altercation had initially called for the ball, and I believe the other player stepped in front of him. I don't know if that added to what I believe was frustration on his part, but I sense … I just had this feeling that something amiss was going to happen, and I chose to shadow that particular player,” said Boyd.

Boyd said the McKeesport player went after a member of Hempfield’s team, and that’s when he decided to throw his penalty flag and get involved.

“As I'm trying to get the two separated is when I was struck in the head. I fell to the ground. My understanding is the players fell on top of me before they were separated,” said Boyd.

Boyd was taken to McKeesport Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a concussion and an ankle injury.

He said he has also been suffering from a headache and a sore neck.

Boyd, who has been a referee for 35 years, said he will sit out this week's games but plans on returning to the field in the future.